When Do Training Camps Start? Key Dates by Sport

By Sarah Miller · May 23, 2043

Training camps for professional and collegiate sports typically start between late June and August, depending on the league or sport, with NFL training camps beginning in mid-July and NBA summer leagues kicking off in July.

Overview of Major Sports Training Camp Start Dates

Training camps mark the official ramp-up to competitive seasons across major sports leagues. These intensive preparation periods allow athletes to condition, learn strategies, and compete in preseason games. Start dates vary significantly by league, level of play, and geographic region.

Key Leagues and Their Typical Camp Schedules

NFL (National Football League): Training camps begin in mid-July, shortly after rookies report in early July.
NBA (National Basketball Association): Training camps open in late September, about three weeks before the regular season.
MLB (Major League Baseball): Spring training starts in early February, with pitchers and catchers reporting first.
NHL (National Hockey League): Training camps open in mid-September ahead of October regular-season games.
College Football (NCAA): Teams begin practice in early August, with some starting contact drills two weeks prior.

Sport-Specific Training Camp Timelines

Different sports have unique seasonal demands that influence when training camps begin. Understanding these timelines helps athletes, coaches, and fans plan accordingly.

Football

In the NFL, teams hold mandatory minicamps in June, followed by full training camp in July. Rookies often report 7–10 days before veterans. NCAA Division I programs start preseason camp around August 5 due to heat acclimatization rules.

Basketball

The NBA's training camp begins in late September after the conclusion of the NBA Summer League in July. College basketball teams start organized workouts in October under NCAA regulations, though voluntary sessions occur year-round.

Baseball

MLB spring training is divided into pitchers and catchers reporting (early to mid-February) and full squad reporting (one week later). This phased approach reduces injury risk during early conditioning.

Hockey

NHL training camps open in September, featuring physical testing, team scrimmages, and exhibition games. The NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement mandates a minimum 13-day camp period before the season opener.

International and Youth Sports Considerations

Outside North America, training schedules align with regional competition calendars. European football (soccer) clubs begin pre-season in early July after summer breaks. Youth sports programs often start camps in June to accommodate school schedules.

Youth soccer academies: June–July
Olympic training centers: Year-round with intensified blocks every 8–12 weeks
High school athletics: Vary by state, usually 2–6 weeks before season start

Sport	League/Level	Camp Start Date	Duration (Days)	Preseason Games
Football	NFL	Mid-July	45	3–4
Basketball	NBA	September 26	21	6–8
Baseball	MLB	February 10	40	25–35
Hockey	NHL	September 18	20	4–6
Football	NCAA D-I	August 5	30	0

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The table highlights key differences in training camp timing and structure. MLB has the longest pre-season preparation due to the grueling 162-game schedule, while NBA camps are shorter but highly focused on integration and strategy. NCAA football allows 30 days of camp without counting against weekly practice limits, emphasizing player development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Training Camp Start Dates

When do NFL training camps start in 2025?

NFL training camps are expected to begin in mid-July 2025, with rookie players reporting around July 15 and veteran players joining approximately one week later. Exact dates will be confirmed by individual teams in June 2025.

How long do NBA training camps last?

NBA training camps typically last 21 days, starting in late September and ending just before the regular season opener in October. Teams may hold up to 8 preseason games during this period.

Do college athletes have summer training camps?

Yes, NCAA rules permit voluntary summer workouts for college athletes. Football teams begin mandatory preseason camp in early August, while basketball and other sports engage in position-specific training throughout June and July.

What happens during MLB spring training?

MLB spring training includes physical evaluations, skill drills, intrasquad scrimmages, and approximately 30 exhibition games. Pitchers and catchers report first to gradually build arm strength and coordination.

Are NHL training camps open to the public?

Many NHL teams host open practices during training camp, especially in the first week. However, access varies by team and venue. Fans should check official team websites for schedules and ticketing information.